1 session on January 9, 2026In Person: This program is offered yearly for U-M Student Life staff free of charge. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a terrific tool for helping people change behavior. It's especially helpful for medical staff (lifestyle changes and medication adherence), therapists/counselors for behavior change to support mental health, faculty (a way to communicate with students about classwork), and academic, leadership, and wellness coaches. Its use is being expanded to Student Life advisers, supervisors, and more. Learn basic, foundational skills for MI, including spirit (Compassion, Acceptance, Partnership, Evocation), OARS (open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries), identifying and responding to change talk, and a brief overview of discord (if time permits). There will be plenty of practice in "real plays" (you get to work on your own behavior changes that you are ambivalent about--so bring a couple of behaviors you would like to change). While you won't be an expert at MI when you are done, you will be able to start the practice, move forward in your skills, and know how to improve. Please only register if you can attend all of the training dates, as each day builds on prior sessions. All Fridays, all in person, 9 am to 2:30 pm with a 30 minutes lunch break (bring your own lunch or order in).

* Friday, January 8, 9-2:30, location University Health Service (UHS), Meeting Rooms 1&2

* Friday, January 15, 9-2:30, UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

* Friday, January 22, 9-2:30,UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

* Friday, January 29, 9-2:30,UHS, Meeting Rooms 1&2

For non-Student Life staff there is a $300 charge for the 20 hours of training. Student Life staff, please note that there may be a $25 charge to your department if there is no cancellation at least three days before the training begins or if you no-show on the first day.